December 7, 2016

Collegiate Perspective: A Reflection on Alpha Phi

Today, I
finished my final fall semester as a collegian. I cannot help but reflect on
what the past four years have brought me. With a grateful heart, I take it all
in.

Flashback
to my freshman year:

There I
stood with a bid in my hand, excited girls standing everywhere around me, my #1
choice just accepted me, but what does this really mean?

Initiation
is over; I am finally an active member of Alpha Phi. I understand our ritual, I
am so proud to be here, but how can I help?

I
received my first pair of letters today, and it is an honor. People around us
do not understand how important they are, but that’s okay, that’s the beauty of
it.

Elections
are around the corner; and the women on our executive board are my role models.
The way they carry themselves and uphold our values brings me inspiration and
motivation to succeed.

With
high expectations, I took my first step onto the executive board as Vice
President of Programming and Education. Taking a position is tough. It takes
courage to go for it. At times you get a position and it takes a lot out of
you. You have to learn to put others before yourself. Sometimes sacrifices need
to be made for the health of your chapter. But there is no better feeling than
seeing your hard work and ideas come to life. There is no better feeling than
seeing your sisters happy and watching your chapter thrive. In fact, it is so
rewarding that I stuck around, and became Vice President of Risk Management.

This
organization has taught me the beauty of a challenge, taught me to be proud of
something that many people do not understand. It has held me accountable for
upholding my morals and showed me how important it is to be aware of the brand
you are creating for yourself.

Through
Alpha Phi, I gained sisters and people to support me. I learned to be
responsible, I know how to manage my time and balance my priorities.

I
learned that doing the right thing, is not always the easiest. I understand
integrity.

I
learned that people will talk, I recognize that the only option is to brush it
off, and prove them wrong. Stereotypes do not define us.

I gained
confidence.

I gained
myself and I am proud of who I have become.

The
advice I want to leave future sisters with is that the best thing that you can
do during your four years with Alpha Phi is to take on a leadership position.
Invest yourself in a new environment. Any position, big or small, will give you
a different perspective of the world. It teaches you so much about yourself and
the way you work. When you are exposed to tough situations you experience a
wide range of emotions that prepare you to interact with different types
people.

Being
involved will connect you to the chapter, get you out of your comfort zone, and
build your leadership skills.

Go for
it.

Yasmin Quintana is a collegiate member at the Epsilon Upsilon chapter at California State University Northridge. To learn more about Yasmin,click here.